- The best travel insurance plans for China
- Is it currently safe to travel to China?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter China?
- Why take out travel insurance for China?
- What should travel insurance for China cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for China
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to China?
- Will my current insurance cover me in China?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for China: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for China covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for entry but is highly recommended for all Australian travellers.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical care in major Chinese cities is expensive, costing over AUD $1,000 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for China typically costs between AUD $30 and AUD $70.
5. Good to know: Dual nationals may not get consular help if considered a Chinese citizen by local authorities.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for China.
The best travel insurance plans for China
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AU$1.6M | Our top pick for travel to China. - high medical cover - repatriation included - broad range of guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AU$1.6M | Strong for both short and long trips. - 24/7 medical support - cancellation cover - no excess |
| Tourist Card | AU$800k | Ideal for tourists visiting China on a budget. - good medical cover - emergency assistance - attractive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | AU$1.1M | Balanced option for frequent travellers. - hospital costs included - repatriation - worldwide assistance |
| Globe Partner | AU$480k | Great for essential protection during your stay. - medical care abroad - liability cover - simple claims |
| Globe Traveller | AU$800k | Suitable for low-risk or short-term trips to China. - fast reimbursement - essential guarantees - clear limits |
- high medical cover
- repatriation included
- broad range of guarantees
- 24/7 medical support
- cancellation cover
- no excess
- good medical cover
- emergency assistance
- attractive price
- hospital costs included
- repatriation
- worldwide assistance
- medical care abroad
- liability cover
- simple claims
- fast reimbursement
- essential guarantees
- clear limits
Is it currently safe to travel to China?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in China, primarily due to an increased risk of arbitrary detention, strict national security laws, and health screening requirements at entry.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: there is an ongoing risk of arbitrary detention for foreigners, including Australians, under China’s broad national security laws. For example, participation in unauthorised demonstrations, or carrying materials considered sensitive, can result in arrest even in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
- Health risks: major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou face high air pollution, sometimes reaching hazardous levels. Outbreaks of diseases such as bird flu and hand-foot-and-mouth disease have also been reported. Medical care in public hospitals may require payment upfront, and private clinics can be costly.
- Legal constraints: the Chinese legal system is markedly different to Australia’s, and criminal procedures can be opaque. For example, carrying prescription medication like codeine without proper documentation can lead to prosecution.
- Practical requirements: all travellers must register their place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours, except hotel guests who are registered automatically. You are also required to carry your passport at all times and comply with on-arrival health screening.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in China.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter China?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens to enter China.
Despite this, travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the high cost of medical care and the potential need for medical evacuation or emergency assistance, which can be extremely expensive in China.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to China. This high percentage reflects concerns about unpredictable medical expenses, legal requirements for some visas, and risks linked to public health and security.
Why take out travel insurance for China?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to China.
In China, many foreigners are directed to private hospitals such as Beijing United Family Hospital or Shanghai East International Medical Center, where medical consultations and procedures can be costly. Public hospitals, while cheaper, often do not provide English-speaking staff and may require advance payments from foreigners.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in China.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Beijing United Family Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 25,000 CNY (about AU$5,400) | Up to AU$1,000,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 12,000 CNY (about AU$2,600) | Up to AU$1,000,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | 400,000 CNY (about AU$86,000) | Up to AU$1,000,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 65,000 CNY (about AU$14,000) | Up to AU$1,000,000 |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for China cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, consultations and outpatient care for accidents and illness. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least AU$500,000. |
| ✈️ Emergency evacuation and repatriation | Covers medical evacuation to Australia or transport home in case of serious illness, accident or death. Recommended: minimum AU$200,000. |
| 💊 Medication and outpatient treatments | Reimbursement for prescribed medications and necessary tests. Recommended: up to AU$5,000 per incident. |
| 🚑 Ambulance and medical transport | Covers ambulance fees in China, including air ambulance if required. Recommended: at least AU$20,000. |
| 📦 Lost, stolen or damaged luggage | Compensation if your bags or valuables are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Recommended: up to AU$5,000. |
| 💸 Trip cancellation and interruption | Covers non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to serious reasons. Recommended: up to AU$10,000. |
| 🚦 24/7 assistance and support helpline | Access to multilingual support, including local referrals and emergency advice. Recommended: always included with comprehensive plans. |
| 🏄 Personal liability | Covers damage you might unintentionally cause to others or their property. Recommended: at least AU$250,000. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least AU$500,000.
Recommended: minimum AU$200,000.
Recommended: up to AU$5,000 per incident.
Recommended: at least AU$20,000.
Recommended: up to AU$5,000.
Recommended: up to AU$10,000.
Recommended: always included with comprehensive plans.
Recommended: at least AU$250,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited protection, with low reimbursement limits and many exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer with comprehensive coverage. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for China
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AU$40–AU$55 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AU$65–AU$90 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AU$95–AU$135 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AU$220–AU$300 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
Your travel insurance premium for China is shaped by key details: your age, trip length, desired coverage level, and any optional extras like cancellation cover. Given China's high medical costs, it's vital to consider these factors carefully to secure comprehensive protection for your trip without breaking the bank.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to China?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to China while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Duration of stay | The longer your trip, the higher your risk exposure and price. | The main the key advice: Buy insurance only for your exact travel dates to avoid unnecessary costs. |
| 🚑 Level of medical cover | Medical care can be extremely costly in China, especially in private clinics. | The main the key advice: For standard trips, medical coverage of AU$300,000 is usually sufficient. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Premiums increase with age, particularly for travellers over 60. | The main the key advice: Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, consider this insurer. |
| 🏂 Activities planned | Adventure sports and high-risk activities often mean higher policy costs. | The main the key advice: Only add extra cover for risky activities you truly plan to do in China. |
| 🖊️ Excess (deductible) | Higher excesses lower the premium but increase out-of-pocket costs if you claim. | The main the key advice: Select a higher excess if you want a cheaper premium and accept more personal risk. |
| 👨👩👦 Number of travellers | Family or group policies can be cost-effective for multiple travellers. | The main the key advice: Ask about family or group discounts when insuring several people at once. |
| 🛡️ Policy options chosen | Extras add up – baggage, electronics, cancellation, liability each increase costs. | The main the key advice: Choose only the essential cover types for your needs in China. |
Will my current insurance cover me in China?
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your public health insurance, private health insurance, or credit card insurance can cover you during a trip to China. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in China? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No coverage overseas. No payment for hospitalisation, medical care, or emergency repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to AU$1,000,000 or more for emergency medical costs, hospital stays, and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, nib) | Limited coverage | Partial refund for eligible overseas medical care, generally up to AU$10,000. No direct payment, excludes repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to AU$1,000,000+ medical treatment, local hospital bills, and emergency assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Westpac Essential) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical costs up to AU$10,000, no trip cancellation or baggage protection. | Travel insurance covers up to AU$1,000,000+ for medical, as well as baggage loss, delays, and interruptions. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Rewards Black, Visa Platinum, Mastercard Gold) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to AU$100,000, some baggage or trip delay cover, not always 24/7 help. | Travel insurance offers up to AU$1,000,000+ for medical, plus cancellation, personal liability, and evacuation. |
Example
During a trip to Guilin, Tom contracted severe food poisoning, requiring hospitalisation for dehydration. The total bill reached AU$15,000. His NAB debit card's included travel insurance had a high excess and capped at AU$2,500, leaving him AU$12,500 out-of-pocket as his standard Aussie health cover offered no overseas protection.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance might not cover trip interruptions, like a family member's illness or death. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for trips to China lasting up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, transit, or exchange purposes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. For visits longer than 30 days or other purposes, a visa is required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for China?
First, compare policies with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check coverage options and exclusions relevant to China, such as medical care and evacuation. Purchase your chosen policy securely online, then receive your travel insurance certificate right away for your records.
Am I covered for infectious diseases and pollution-related illness in China?
Many policies offer cover for medical treatment due to infectious diseases, but check the policy for exclusions related to pandemics or pollution-related health problems. In major Chinese cities, air pollution can cause respiratory issues, so review the specific health conditions your policy covers before buying.
Can I get cover for trip interruptions or delays within China?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover trip interruptions, cancellations, and delays caused by events like severe weather or transport strikes. Cover limits and eligible causes vary, so confirm these features in the product disclosure. Typical limits for delays are AU$500 to AU$2,000 per trip.
Should I pay extra for adventure or sport activities in China?
If you plan to hike, ski, or take part in outdoor activities, check whether your policy covers sports or adventure injuries. Many basic policies exclude these, so you may need an add-on or specialist cover. The cost for adventure add-ons is often AU$30 to AU$80 extra.
Will my personal belongings and electronics be covered in China?
Standard travel insurance generally covers theft, damage, or loss of luggage and valuables, but sub-limits apply, especially for electronics. Make sure your policy level matches the value of items you plan to bring. High-value electronics often need extra cover, usually available for an additional premium.
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for trips to China lasting up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, transit, or exchange purposes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. For visits longer than 30 days or other purposes, a visa is required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for China?
First, compare policies with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check coverage options and exclusions relevant to China, such as medical care and evacuation. Purchase your chosen policy securely online, then receive your travel insurance certificate right away for your records.
Am I covered for infectious diseases and pollution-related illness in China?
Many policies offer cover for medical treatment due to infectious diseases, but check the policy for exclusions related to pandemics or pollution-related health problems. In major Chinese cities, air pollution can cause respiratory issues, so review the specific health conditions your policy covers before buying.
Can I get cover for trip interruptions or delays within China?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover trip interruptions, cancellations, and delays caused by events like severe weather or transport strikes. Cover limits and eligible causes vary, so confirm these features in the product disclosure. Typical limits for delays are AU$500 to AU$2,000 per trip.
Should I pay extra for adventure or sport activities in China?
If you plan to hike, ski, or take part in outdoor activities, check whether your policy covers sports or adventure injuries. Many basic policies exclude these, so you may need an add-on or specialist cover. The cost for adventure add-ons is often AU$30 to AU$80 extra.
Will my personal belongings and electronics be covered in China?
Standard travel insurance generally covers theft, damage, or loss of luggage and valuables, but sub-limits apply, especially for electronics. Make sure your policy level matches the value of items you plan to bring. High-value electronics often need extra cover, usually available for an additional premium.
